Meriden sends a ‘No’ message about a new strip club opening near the city

by Clarke Davis

The Meriden community does not want a sexually oriented business or strip club located on the edge of its city limits.

That’s the message that will be sent to the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Board following a Meriden City Council meeting Nov. 9.

Mayor Andy Surritt and three council members took up the matter shortly after the city’s zoning board held a hearing. Council members Bill Rodecap, Dana Boyer, and Jim McGrath were unanimous in voting their opposition based on the public outpouring at a previous meeting when more than 70 people showed up to express opposition.

Zachary Snyder, rural Lawrence, has requested a conditional use permit for a restaurant and drinking establishment with a Class B Private Club to known as the Oasis.

The club would have sexually oriented adult entertainment.

Snyder was present at the Meriden zoning board and city council meetings and said there was no intent to offend the community.

He said the restaurant would be separate from the club and that the general public would not be witness to any part of it. Even the signage, he said, would be discreet.

The hearing on the county level for a conditional use permit will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, in the courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse in Oskaloosa.

The recommendation by the county planning commission will go to the county commissioners for a final vote. Because of the local opposition on the part of Meriden, it will require a “super majority” or a unanimous vote of the commissioners to award the permit.

The Meriden planning board meeting was chaired by Vance Collins with Bob Bowser and Larry Figgins present. They did not vote to express an opinion other than to pass the issue along to the city council. City attorney Lee Hendrix will draft the letter that goes to the county.